How many times has your day been ruined by the service you received from a waiter or waitress or a remark made by a cashier? Working as a receptionist, retail sales associate, and a waitress to pay my way through school, I know the ins and outs of these everyday connections. In the service industry, as with any industry, there are bad apples but there are also a ton of great interactions waiting to happen.

It's all about facilitating a good relationship on both ends; you have to be willing to meet the other person halfway. The result could make your day! Let me shed a little light on how to get the most out of dining out or shopping.

Because you're eating out, you're understandably expecting a seamless dining experience but things can and do go wrong at times. Anything to do with the quality of the food or when it arrives is not in the control of your server; this is the realm of the kitchen so don't take your disappointment out on your server.

Of course, express your concerns and criticisms to your server, who is your connection between you and the restaurant, but don't place the blame on them. A customer who understands the workings of a restaurant is always specially appreciated.

What many customers don't realize is that servers rely on your tip for their wages. Generally servers are paid minimum wage so your tip makes all the difference. That's why in a respectable restaurant your server is going to do their best to give you great service because their money's on the line!

Now, the restaurant experience is still all about you - the customer. Servers who go the extra mile deserve the recognition and adding that little extra to what you would normally tip is well worth it. The next time you come back, you'll be remembered as a considerate customer worthy of extra perks.

Also, exchanging names with your server is helpful in getting to know the person who is responsible for making your meal run smoothly. Knowing a server on a friendlier basis can help you get a reservation and the staff will be more willing to take special requests in the future.

They don't call it retail therapy for nothing; a lot of us shop for fun and to relax. That's why a bad shopping experience can be very upsetting. We've all seen people on makeover shows reach a breaking point when they can't find anything that fits them - and we can all relate!

Seemingly, retail stores are filled with sales associates that are either stuck up, lazy, or a combination of the two. Employees in many chain stores don't work on commission. It fosters a sense of teamwork among the employees but it's also good reason to slack off - that's when you'll find retail workers who aren't qualified to help you.

However, you should also keep in mind that your local boutiques and department stores have many sales associates trained to cater to your needs. You'll know who they are right away because they're more interested in engaging with you than folding another pile of t-shirts.

Be open to the suggestions of sales associates as they know the product well. Also use this as an opportunity to ask questions such as how to care for the clothing, how much it might stretch out, and what tops or bottoms you might pair the piece with.

A sales associate who knows what they're doing can essentially build a wardrobe for you according to your shape, personal preferences, and lifestyle. They'll act like your personal stylist; in fact many department stores do offer appointments with personal shoppers. They cannot, however, work miracles. In other words, a trendy retailer is not the best place to look for a classic, elegant outfit.

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making it happen

What I've given you here isn't exactly insider advice: the workings of an industry just aren't spelled out for everyone, which leads to a great deal of misunderstanding between the customer and the staff. That kind of confusion and frustration can be avoided, it's just a matter of remembering that you're dealing with a person and not a worker.

While it is the sales associate's job to make your time in their establishment enjoyable, let them know you appreciate their efforts - you'll definitely get service with a smile.